Holidays on my mind

Last year, whilst on holiday on the East Yorkshire coast, we went to Whitby, which is famous for much more than its stautus as a fishing port, and evn for the fact that it seems to have more AWARD WINNING Fish'n Chip shops than anywhere else I've ever known!

Bram Stoker based his story of Dracula at Whitby, and Whitby Abbey was used as the backdrop for much of the film of the same name. The story of Dracula is probably the best known horror story of all time, and certainly one of the best selling books of that genre.

After seeing the sinking of the Russian schooner, Dimitri, just outside Whitby Harbour, and drawing on his knowledge of local Whitby characters, Bram Stoker's novel was first published in 1897.

Captain Cook, the sea-faring adventurer, had strong links with Whitby, first going to sea from that port as a servant on board the Freelove in 1748. In 1757 he became the master of HMS Pembroke, and from then on his explorations were carried out whilst sailing the world on board ships built at Whitby.

Whilst there, I purchased a necklet, bracelet and ring for Gill, made from sterling silver and local Whitby Jet, which is the finest Jet to be found anywhere. The correct name is gagate, and it's fossilised coal. Jet jewellery was particularly popular in Victorian times for use as 'mourning' jewellery, following the death of someone close during a time when the period of mourning was often at least a year. I should add that the jewellery that I gave Gill was very pretty and most definitely not for mourning!!!

We also enjoyed some Award-winning Fish 'n Chips whilst we were there.

All in all, a pleasant and interesting place to visit.